Many thanks to my beta-reader and co-author Sam. H.
Mid-November 1812
Georgianna was pleased to return Miss Bennet's visit with her brother, two days later. On the carriage ride over, she again peppered her conversation with more questions about Elizabeth, the Bennet's, and Darcy's visit to Hertfordshire.
Approaching their destination, Darcy looked out the carriage window paying attention to the cleanliness of the streets and homes. He wanted to ensure the suitability of the neighbourhood and the Gardiners' house for his sister's safety and well-being.
Though the homes were not as large and luxurious as those found in Mayfair, the status of the houses made it clear they belonged to well-off families of tradesmen. Passing a pretty little park, Darcy noticed a young man resembling Sir Frederick get out of a carriage. This unexpected sighting reminded him of his friend Bingley and all he had endured over the last several months. He had not seen much of Bingley, and when he finally did it, it was only to pay his respects for the death of his two sisters. His friend made it clear he was not in the mood for company.
Darcy's thoughts then drifted to the troublesome Wickham. His blood still boiled at the thought of how close Georgianna had come to utter ruination. Her life would have been a living nightmare if he had not got to her in time. Now, only the knowledge of Wickham's imprisonment in debtor's prison brought any relief, and his stay may be of some duration.
When the carriage stopped in front of a three-story house, Darcy was impressed with its elegance, noting it sat on a larger plot than most of the houses in that neighbourhood.
A middle-aged woman – probably the housekeeper - opened the door, and after a waiting maid took their outerwear, accompanied them to the parlour, where Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner greeted them warmly.
PPP
Sebastian was on a mission to finally get revenge on Sir Frederick. He spent five consecutive days touring Cheapside, wearing a different disguise each day. He had acquired wigs, glasses, makeup, and an assortment of clothing to blend into the crowd and avoid detection. Sebastian's military training and powers of observation had helped him survive many battles, and now they served to alert him to any signs of danger.
On the fifth day, Sebastian noticed a gentleman claiming to be a solicitor. Perhaps he was one of the men from his father's list, with his own motive for revenge on Sir Frederick. It would not surprise Sebastian at all if a young lady was behind that motive.
The gentleman was frustratingly conspicuous and asking too many questions, but Sebastian could not alert him without revealing his own identity. Any little mistake might prove fatal to anyone other than his prey.
Continuing with his own disguise he pretended to have difficulty walking, as he watched the young man move further down the road. From his vantage point, he spied a modest carriage approach. When it came to a stop, Sir Frederick exited and instructed the coachman to pick him up in three hours' time. That was twice now this week, at the same time, and for the same length of time, Sir Frederick frequented that address. It appears a routine was set, which would make it easier for a plan to be prepared and executed.
PPP
"Check, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth looked at the board and realized she had made a serious mistake on her last move. Checkmate was inevitable, so she tipped over her king and extended her hand to Darcy. She looked up at Darcy and smiled ruefully, "Very good match, Mr. Darcy. Congratulations."
"But Miss Bennet, the game was not finished." Darcy shook Elizabeth's hand, it felt so warm in his, that he did not want to let it go.
"Ah, but Mr. Darcy, it will be in two moves, of which you are very well aware. I see now I should have moved the bishop instead of the pawn."
Darcy forced himself to release her hand. It had been a pleasure playing against Elizabeth. She was a skilled player, and it was all he could do to concentrate on the game. He found himself paying more attention to the beautiful lady facing him than the moves on the board. If not for her blunder, she would have stood a good chance of winning the match.
Darcy leaned in a little closer to her, "I will be happy to offer you a rematch. If you wish, the next time you visit Georgiana, we may play again."
Elizabeth's eyes crinkled up at him as she grinned, "I accept Mr. Darcy. Perhaps next time I might beat you." He almost missed it, but there was a glimmer of spark back in her eyes. It pleased him to see her returning to the young lady he had met in Hertfordshire.
Mrs. Gardiner had been sitting on the far side of the room with her embroidery to keep her busy and looked up when her eldest daughter and Georgiana entered. Georgiana called over to where her brother and Elizabeth still sat "Who won the match?"
"Your brother won."
"But it was very close, and I almost lost it at one point." Darcy added with a smile. "Miss Bennet is an admirable opponent."
"I would like to learn to play, Mama."
"You can ask your father or Lizzy to teach you," replied Mrs. Gardiner. "Do you play chess, Miss Darcy?"
"I regret, I only know how to move the pieces."
The visit lasted a little longer with everyone sharing in the various topics discussed, and enjoying each other's company. On their way home, Georgiana was in high spirits chatting about how much she had enjoyed that afternoon and how glad she was to have met Miss Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner.
Darcy was also pleased with the day's events. He enjoyed Miss Bennet's company, and found himself eager to know her better. Furthermore, due to a comment Georgiana made about their aunt, Lady Catherine and their cousin Anne de Bourgh, he had made it clear to Elizabeth that he was not engaged to Anne. Wickham loved bandying about Darcy's business, even if it was mainly lies, with only the glimmer of truth to make it sound plausible. That was one falsehood he was happy to refute. He was invited to a ball the following night, at the home of one of Lord Matlock's political associates. No doubt, Lady Matlock has a list prepared of all the young ladies she considers suitable for the position of Mrs. Darcy. Darcy mentally rolled his eyes. They will be just like all the others he has met: wealthy, well-educated, beautiful, and dull. Miss Elizabeth Bennet made every other woman pale in comparison.